The Social Archeology Channel

Sitting across the highly polished table sits a suave well-dressed gentleman and his exotic companion, inviting you into the cunning realm of espionage – where codes are made and codes are broken. No, this isn’t a casting call for yet another James Bond – just the box top for a simple little game of logical deduction called Mastermind. Continue reading...

As any parent can attest, a kid’s energy knows no bounds, and if their footwear isn’t up to the task, it can be decimated quickly from the rigors of playtime. A century ago, kids didn’t even have shoes for play, only those of the leather variety which were considered their “good shoes” – ones that they were expected to keep in pristene condition. If only there was some form of footwear specifically for play, shoes that could get scuffed and dirty without the scorn of a parent’s watchful eye, all would truly be right in the world. Their eventual shoe savior was a company called Keds, who have provided footwear for appreciative kids and adults for nearly a hundred years. Continue reading...

Ah, the cool refreshing taste of lemon-lime soda. For those who prefer that particular flavor combination, the mind probably wanders to one of the two iconic brands, 7-Up and Sprite. But nostalgic fans clearly remember another effervescent beverage that once competed for equal billing, and had its fair share of loyal fans - Bubble Up. Continue reading...

It would seem that most everyone has a soft spot in their nostalgic heart for that lovable duo, Rocky and Bullwinkle. Ever since the Jay Ward characters made their debut in 1959 as Rocky and Friends, they have kept viewers of all ages thoroughly entertained. Kids particularly love the kooky characters, while older crowds notice the sophisticated humor laced with subtle wordplay lurking underneath. This “something for everyone” approach has made this duo one of the most popular cartoon series in history. Continue reading...

Tough day at school? Siblings giving you a hard time? What you need is little cathartic activity to make things seem all better. All can be cured with a trip down to the local Chuck E. Cheese (or Showtime Pizza, if you prefer) where a plastic mallet and a field of unsuspecting rodents await your assault. The game is called Whac-A-Mole, and it's been delighting kids for decades. Continue reading...

Forget about your Pastry Swirls and your silly Snak-Stix... we're talking the real deal: Pop Tarts. These foil-encased, toaster-ready rectangles have been delighting kids for decades, either as an easy-to-carry breakfast treat on the way to school, or as an afternoon snack. Actually, you can enjoy a nice warm pop tart just about anytime (assuming you even took the time to warm them, that is). Continue reading...

Truancy is no laughing matter, unless it is presented through the eyes of director John Hughes, whose coming-of-age films in the 80s and 90s are some of the most beloved from the era. This time around, we were introduced to a high school student, too intelligent and devious for his own good, who decided to skip school with his friends and embark on a rather adventurous day in the 1986 comedy, Ferris Bueller's Day Off. The film would become one of Hughes' most successful endeavors, and make Ferris a hero to millions. Continue reading...

New York City was a hotbed of punk and new wave activity in the mid-70's, overflowing with groups like The Ramones and The Talking Heads. Blondie emerged from this scene and became an international sensation with their blend of pop hooks, punk-ish edge and clever lyrics. They scored a long list of musically-diverse hit singles that defined the new wave sound and transformed their glamorous lead singer, Debbie Harry, into an alternative sex symbol. Continue reading...